This test is an ultrasound scan of the heart.
Jelly is applied to the bare chest to ensure good probe contact and an experienced operator will move the probe around the chest to gain good views of the heart. In particular, the ECHO can tell:
- The size of the heart
- How well the heart muscle is contracting and relaxing
- How well the valves are working
- The dimensions of the heart
Images with thanks to Dr Ninian Lang, PhD, MRCP, Fellow in Advanced Heart Failure and Cardiac Devices, Scottish Advanced Heart Failure Service, Golden Jubilee National Hospital.
Page last reviewed: 22 May 2020
